A recent Fortune investigation that describes Jeffrey Epstein’s efforts to target people close to Elon Musk — reportedly by trying to leverage connections through his brother, Kimbal — has ignited a fresh round of conversation on r/burningman about leadership, trust, and the future of the playa.
What people are saying
– Many Redditors pointed to the Fortune piece as the spark: the article frames Epstein’s approach as a manipulation campaign that used abused and coerced women to gain leverage over powerful folks. Commenters stressed this reporting is the source of the controversy.
– Several users questioned why Kimbal Musk was ever invited onto Burning Man’s board, arguing that the organization’s vetting and willingness to accept money from controversial figures has eroded trust. One commenter summed it up: organizers keep bringing in people with questionable ties, and that drives creators away.
– Other posts pushed back on absolutes: some defended the Musks as being treated like victims in a complex situation, while others argued the reporting suggests active pursuit rather than passive exposure.
– A handful of people referenced older allegations tied to Epstein’s network and said those concerns should have mattered when public-facing organizations make leadership appointments.
Why this matters for creators and the event
Burning Man’s identity has long depended on creators feeling that the playa is a safe, open place for risk-taking and large-scale projects. Several Redditors said the creeping influence of wealthy, high-profile board members — and the resulting public controversy — could shift the event from a participatory art playground into a spectacle that discourages longtime builders.
What to watch next
– Will Burning Man’s leadership respond publicly and explain board vetting and policies around conflicts of interest?
– Will creators continue to leave, or will the community push for reforms that restore trust?
– Follow-up reporting from mainstream outlets and community threads for confirmation before treating allegations as established fact.
Bottom line: the Fortune story prompted an intense discussion among burners about governance, accountability, and the long-term health of the event’s creative culture. As always, many in the community want clear answers — and signals that the playa remains a place built by and for makers, not just spectators.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/BurningMan/comments/1r3sxfp/inside_epsteins_honeytrap_targeting_elon_musk/